Around the NHL: Connecticut makes push for isles; preds place Ribeiro on waivers

   With Barclays Center, home of the New York Islanders saying that they don't want the Isles anymore, the team has looked at possible new homes, including Nassau Veterans Memorial Colisuem, where the club played the franchise's first 43 years. Today, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy and Hartford mayor Luke Bronin sent a letter to owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin urging them to relocate the Islanders to the state's capital. No further discussion has been announced.
      The Nashville Predators currently are in a playoff spot, being 3rd in the Central division with 58 points. They have been in talks with the Colorado Avalanche about acquiring star center Matt Duchene, who are pursuing a top 2 defenseman, but many expect GM David Poile to trade Mattias Ekholm or Ryan Ellis, their top 4 defensemen, instead of top defensemen P.K. Subban. Subban, who was acquired this offseason, had struggled earlier this year, (as explained here) but then came back to play in the all star game. 2016 first round pick Dante Fabbro is someone the Avs might have interest in, but it's still unlikely he's traded. Other top 2 defenseman Roman Josi is expected to come off IR tomorrow, so Poile made sure there was roster room for him, by placing center Mike Ribeiro on waivers. Ribeiro, who turns 37 on February 10th, has been a healthy scratch the past 3 games and is a UFA on July first this year, with a cap hit of $3.5 million. It has also been reported that Ribeiro requested a trade from Nashville. He has 4 goals and 21 assists in 46 games this season.